Method and apparatus for programably treating water in a water cooler

Abstract

An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

1. A water dispenser, comprising:
 a) a cabinet having upper and lower end portions and an interior; 
 b) reservoir contained within the cabinet, the reservoir being capable of holding water; 
 c) at least one spigot in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing the water; 
 d) a refrigeration system for cooling the water within the reservoir; 
 e) a diffuser contained within the reservoir for emitting bubbles into the reservoir; 
 f) an ozone generator being operably connected to the diffuser; 
 g) a pump that is in fluid communication with the ozone generator and the diffuser; 
 h) a controller operably connected to the ozone generator; 
 i) timing and duration of ozone generated by the ozone generator and sent to the diffuser is controlled by the controller; and 
 j) activation of the pump is controlled by the controller. 
 
     
     
       2. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the pump is programmable regarding the timing and duration of air to be sent to the diffuser from the pump. 
     
     
       3. The water dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the pump is spaced apart from the ozone generator. 
     
     
       4. The water dispenser of  claim 3 , wherein the pump is spaced sufficiently to allow the air pumped by the pump to cool down to a temperature near ambient temperature before reaching the ozone generator. 
     
     
       5. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is programmable regarding the amount of ozone generated, the amount being chosen from between about 25-100 percent ozone generation. 
     
     
       6. The water dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the controller is programmed to have the air pumped through the diffuser for a set period of time before ozone is generated. 
     
     
       7. The water dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the controller is programmed to have the air pumped through the diffuser for a set period of time before ozone is sent through the diffuser and a set period of time after ozone is generated. 
     
     
       8. The water dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein the controller is programmed to have the air pumped through the diffuser for a set period of time after ozone is generated. 
     
     
       9. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is operably connected to the refrigeration system and programmable regarding the timing and duration of operation of the refrigeration system. 
     
     
       10. The water dispenser of  claim 9 , wherein the controller is programmed to shut off the refrigeration system a set period of time before ozone is generated. 
     
     
       11. The water dispenser of  claim 10 , wherein the refrigeration is shut off one hour before ozone is generated. 
     
     
       12. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the dispenser includes a voltage supply regulator circuit, the voltage supply regulator circuit automatically adjusting input voltage to the controller based on different electrical supply voltages. 
     
     
       13. The water dispenser of  claim 12 , wherein the voltage supply regulator, ozone generator, and controller are encased in a single case. 
     
     
       14. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the controller automatically adjusts for different electrical supply voltages. 
     
     
       15. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the controller can be programmed regarding the day of the week. 
     
     
       16. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the controller can be programmed for a 24 hour period. 
     
     
       17. The water dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising a remote display operable connected to the controller but spaced apart from the controller, the remote display having at least one indicator regarding operation of the controller. 
     
     
       18. The water dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the indicator is for ozone operation. 
     
     
       19. The water dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the remote display includes three indicators, one for ozone, a second for power, and a third for a warning signal. 
     
     
       20. The water dispenser of  claim 19 , wherein the ozone indicator is red, power indicator is green, and warning signal is yellow.